NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — Afghanistan's last known Jewish resident is being evacuated to New York City following the Taliban's takeover of the country.
Zabulon Simantov, 62, left Afghanistan with a group of his neighbors after the country's government fell, Israeli-American businessman and philanthropist Moti Kahana, who helped orchestrate the evacuation, told 1010 WINS.
Simantov, who was devoted to caring for the country's last remaining synagogue in Kabul, initially refused to leave, Kahana said.
Simantov (L) sits in his home while Shir Gul Ameri, 22, prays, as he gets ready for the Jewish New Year feast of Rosh Hashanah September 18, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan.Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
"We talked to Zabulon before he decided to come out. He was not ready at the time," he said.
After Kahana explained the danger Simantov was in, however, he agreed to evacuate, the businessman said.
Simantov, who was born in Herat, Afghanistan, worked as a carpet and jewelry salesman in addition to caring for the synagogue, Ynet News reported.
Now that he has left the country, the synagogue will shutter, the outlet reported. Kahana told 1010 WINS Simantov is currently en route to the U.S.
Zebulon Simantov breaks open a box of Matzos as he celebrates the Jewish New Year feast of Rosh Hashanah September 18, 2009 in Kabul, Afghanistan.Paula Bronstein/Getty Images
"His family are in New York I think, in Queens or Brooklyn, I'm not sure," he said. "I spoke with him before the holiday… and I told him not to worry. He is on his way because he wants to come to New York."
"I was trying to get him to be here for Rosh Hashanah, but hopefully he will be here for Yom Kippur or a few days after," he added.
